“She is by far the most prominent writer we've brought since I've been here,” says Scott Nadelson, chairman of the series. “Lydia Davis is one of the most accomplished and acclaimed writers of fiction working today.”

Davis has written a collection of short stories, essays and English-French translations. Some of her best-known works include “Cows,” “The Collected Stories of Lydia Davis,” “Break It Down” and her translation of “Madame Bovary” — all of which will be available for sale at the event.

After the reading, she will answer questions from the audience.

“Her stories are odd, funny, surprising,” Nadelson says. “She has basically invented her own unique form of story writing and has influenced countless other writers since her first book appeared more than 35 years ago.”

Davis says she does not like writing the typical story and instead enjoys finding new ways to write.

“I am simply not interested, at this point, in creating narrative scenes between characters,” she says.

Davis received the Man Booker International Prize for her collective works. Aside from the Nobel Prize, the award is recognized as the most prestigious literary award in the world, Nadelson says.

She is now completing a literary tour across the Pacific Northwest, stopping briefly in Salem.